If Strike Drags On, Xmas Hams Could Be Imported from Mexico

Williams, who also holds a stake in Marie Sharp Fine Foods, highlights that the strike will impact exporters like their company, which are striving to get Belizean products into the U.S. East Coast market. Additionally, there is growing concern among importers of perishable goods, such as hams and other frozen foods, which wholesalers are beginning to stock up on for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The strike could disrupt these crucial holiday imports, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

 

Jody Willams, Vice President, Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry

“Just for a real-life example, like, you know, we at Murray sharp, you know, we right now we have to ship to a private port. In Pennsylvania, and this private port will be the only entry into the East Coast. But for us to use that port, you know, we are incurring extra costs. And then the thing is, these are a lot of uncertainty because more than likely, we’re not the only persons using that port. So we will also see congestion at that port. So how long will that congestion take place? And how long will it take for ships to dock in? And the same thing to get products to Belize, then businesses will have to either absorb the cost and leave the prices the same or they would have to pass those increasing costs to the final consumer. And right now, as we speak, you know, we have inflation in Belize. And, you know, definitely we’ll see a little hike up due to this global supply chain problem. And that’s the thing, Marion, as well, before this shot, before this strike happening, there were also other problems happening, like the Red Sea, and the drought at the Panama Canal. So this is just another shock to our supply chain and another potential increase to inflation in Belize and around the world.  We try to be resilient. We’re looking for other ways to probably get containers to Belize, other two other ports from the West coast. Well, definitely we will see increasing costs in trying to do so. Around the countries. Yes, and that’s another thing. We can’t get the butter from the US. We can’t get the ham. Well, we have to look at Mexico, look at Guatemala, look at El Salvador. I think since COVID, you know, we have seen products from those countries import into Belize from those countries increase. And, you know, after COVID we’ve learned a lot. We have sometimes tiptoed trying to find new ways. And I think that this will probably, you know, we will see ham from those countries entering the country while this strike happens.”